Meditations on Grace

The Dangers of Daydreaming

I’m awesome. That’s right. You’re reading that correctly. One minute I can be hitting a home run to win the World Series, while the next I’m preaching a sermon before thousands of people. Or maybe I’m a good-looking A-list actor that melts the heart of women around the globe. Or maybe a world traveller that gets to see the beauties of every continent. Regardless of the situation, I’m incredible.

That’s the beauty of daydreaming. In a split second, I can be anyone and anywhere my imagination can conjure up. But can you also see the danger of this? Notice who’s the hero of all these scenarios: ME.

Now, I hear the objections coming. “Are you saying we can’t use our imaginations at all?” “You’re one of those crazy Christians who’s against all kinds of fantasy movies and books, aren’t you?”

No, I’m not one of those. I’m all for people using their imaginations in all sorts of ways. I believe daydreams can be good motivators when someone envisions a goal and seeks to achieve it. Also, as those who are made in the image of a creating God, human beings can and should dream big to create amazing works of art and to invent items that will improve the world around us.

But there are also dangers in being swept away in daydreams day after day. First, we are normally the hero of our daydreams, when in fact, we are not the heroes in life. In our minds, we are the star of the show. But back here in the real world, Jesus Christ is the only One who is worthy of the honor and praise that we so often receive in our cerebral adventures. He is the One who has rescued humanity with His sacrificial love that was displayed for the world on the cross. When our minds are constantly turning to ourselves, we are feeding the sinful notion that my life and the world are ultimately about me. This is pride at its root.

Secondly, escaping to alternate realities where our lives are “fun and exciting” shows our lack of belief that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). What do I mean? By becoming the star of another life, we are doubting or altogether rejecting the fact that God has sovereignly placed us in our particular life at this particular time. For example, when I daydream about having musical ability that will amaze the masses, I am indirectly saying that I know better than God what would be best for my life. I am ignoring that He has gifted me with all that I need to live a life that is most glorifying to Him.

So where are your thoughts going? Let the gospel penetrate every area of your life, including your daydreams.